The 2019 Jeep Cherokee only lasts around 150,000 miles with some serious engine and transmission problems reported. At $17,325 to $26,375, it’s too expensive for an SUV which is very expensive to keep running out of warranty.
Is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2019 is a bad year for the Jeep Cherokee since there are mechanical problems showing up as they age, giving it a low overall score. Owner reviews complain about steering issues, transmission problems, and road noise.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for an SUV in its price range, the seats are supportive on long drives, although there’s not much cargo space.
- Reliability 5/10 – There are some transmission problems found on the 2019 Cherokee. Avoid models from 2014–2016, along with 2019. While 2017–2018 & 2020–2021 are better choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard 4-cylinder engine while the V6 or turbocharged motors are reasonably quick.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2019 Cherokee earns 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 26 MPG, giving 410 miles of range from the 15.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $18 cheaper than average at $215 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is cheaper than many other SUVs, yet there are expensive problems showing up as they age, making them depreciate fast.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Cherokee?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is a mediocre SUV with little to like and it gets low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Cherokee at 3.5/5, praising the optional 8.4-inch touchscreen stereo system, but doesn’t like the slow base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Cherokee a 3.9/5, enjoying the nice four-wheel drive system, but owners don’t like the poor fuel economy.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee include the engine shutting down while driving, changing gears poorly, as well as some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are worse than other SUVs, leading to expensive repair bills in some cases.
The engine shutting down while driving is the most widespread complaint from 2019 Jeep Cherokee owners at around 20,000 miles. There are problems with the powertrain control module software. Jeep issued a recall to cover the issue where they will update the software or replace the entire control module for free.
Changing gears poorly has also been mentioned by many Cherokee owners in the first 45,000 miles. The nine-speed automatic transmission has both hardware and software issues which cause it to shift poorly. Replacing the transmission costs over $3,000, while a software update can be done for under $100.
Stereo system issues with the Uconnect system have also shown up on a lot of Cherokee models in the first 10,000 miles. There are software updates available which improve the reliability of the stereo, which most dealers will install for free. If the head unit fails it’s about $850 to replace.
There are 9 recalls on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, which is much worse than other SUVs from the same year. There are a lot of serious recalls covering the steering rack gears, transmission calibration, instrument cluster, engine computer, as well as damaged cylinders. Jeep will repair or replace all of the parts on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Jeep Cherokee can last around 150,000 miles before it becomes too expensive to own, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are close to average according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $381 per year.
As a used 2019 Jeep Cherokee ages and reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the A/C compressor for $1,000, rear trailing arm costing $825, as well as the camshaft position sensor, which costs $400.
It is reliable. No problems so far. Mileage is great the gas is cheap the jeep Cherokee is absolutely amazing.
It is reliable. I do not feel there are any problems with this vehicle. The only thing is acceleration is a little weak.
I believe it is a reliable vehicle. I have not had any problems with it and I have now had it for 7 months. There have been no problems.
I have not experienced any problems so far. I do not like the stop and start engine feature, where the vehicle turns off when on a complete stop without putting it on park.
So far it has been reliable. It gets me back and forth from VT to NC for school. Only problem is the stock tires change in pressure often.
No I have not found any issues yet. I am leasing the car so I will see in the future if there are any issues.
So far, the Cherokee is very reliable. I did not face any problem. I am very satisfied how it handles in the highway and in off road.
No my jeep has not had any issues so far. It is very reliable and I prefer it over other models. Very good car.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, which also has a premium stereo system.
Standard safety technology is similar to other SUVs offering a rearview camera. Optional safety tech upgrades include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, as well as lane departure warning.
Is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee a Good Value?
No, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is not a good value since there are some transmission problems which are showing up as they get older. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,500 to $26,550, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9. When new, the price range was $25,045 to $38,495. Depreciation is worse than other small SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Cherokee?
There are five main models of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered, from the base Latitude all the way up to the more luxurious Overland. The Cherokee is also offered with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Latitude is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Heated Side Mirrors
- Xenon Headlights
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Rearview Camera
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
Latitude Plus is a step up, adding:
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Leather Inserts
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Satellite Radio
- Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Universal Garage Door Opener
Limited is next in the lineup with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power Front Passenger Seat
- 4-Inch Touchscreen Stereo System
Trailhawk is the off-road model which has:
- Advanced All-Wheel Drive System
- 17-Inch Wheels
- All-Terrain Tires
- Off-Road Suspension
- Locking Rear Differential
- Skid Plates
- Tow Hooks
- Unique Cloth and Leather Upholstery
Overland is the most luxurious model which adds:
- Unique 18-Inch Wheels
- Body-Colored Exterior Trim
- Cornering Lights
- Sound-Deadening Windshield
- Wood Steering-Wheel Inserts
- Upgraded Leather Upholstery
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Nine-Speaker Audio System
What Engines Come In the Jeep Cherokee?
- The base engine is an average 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 180 horsepower at up to 25 MPG. All of the engines come paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.2L V6 which produces 271 horsepower while getting up to 23 MPG. Performance is very good, taking 6.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. This engine also has a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds.
- There’s also an efficient 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which generates 270 horsepower at up to 26 MPG.
What Colors Does the Jeep Cherokee Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Cherokee?
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is a comfortable SUV with seating for up to five passengers. Seating is nice for long drives, yet the entry-level models don’t offer as much cushioning as the upgraded ones.
Passenger room is good in both the front and rear seats, although the Cherokee does not offer a third row which is found in some of the competitors. The sliding rear seat also offers extra legroom for taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Cherokee Have?
Cargo space is lower than other SUVs, offering enough room for 4-5 suitcases behind the rear seats and 10-12 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Jeep Cherokee was launched in 2014.
2015: Rearview camera standard on Latitude and Trailhawk models.
2016: Siri Eyes Free added to the Uconnect stereo system.
2017: Standard Xenon headlights on all models aside from Sport, new Overland model introduced.
2018: Latitude Plus model added.
2019: New turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, minor exterior styling changes, upgraded stereo system available.
2020: No major changes.
2021: More safety technology added across all models, Latitude Lux edition available.
How Does the Jeep Cherokee Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is a bad SUV since there are a lot of mechanical problems which show up as they age, making them one buyers should stay away from.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a larger SUV from Jeep which costs nearly $8,000 more. Passenger room and performance are both better in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the Jeep Cherokee fits better down trails with its narrower wheelbase. We recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee since they are more reliable for the 2019 model year.
The Ford Escape is another compact SUV which is available for $500 less. Standard safety technology is better in the Ford Escape, while the Jeep Cherokee has nicer interior materials. We recommend the Ford Escape since there are fewer mechanical problems reported by owners.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Cherokee?
Yes. The interior is nice. The navigation is so much easier & the mileage is great. Gas is cheap and the jeep is reliable. The whole radio system and the screen is nice. Trunk has a lot of space and backseat is great.
Yes. It is spacious and dependable. It drives well and it is very safe. I like the style of the vehicle as well.
Yes. I enjoy the features that it has, how well it does in winter especially with the 4 wheel drive, and how it looks.
Yes, it is a really nice vehicle. It is a nice family car, without the van look. It is comfortable for my kids.
Yes, it is a good vehicle. This has been the best car I have owned thus far. It runs well, could be better on gas mileage.
Yes! This car is reliable and does everything I need it to. I use it to get back and forth from work and the gas mileage is great as well.
Yes! It is also very reliable and have a great body stance. The fuel economy is okay but it gives me power whenever I need it. The 4x4 features is also great. It takes me whenever I want to go.
Yes very good, reliable, safe, comfortable. Always drives well and smoothly. Recommended highly to purchase.